Research progress and technological prospects for in-situ mechanical characterization of lunar soil

Obtaining in-situ mechanical properties of lunar soil is a prerequisite for human scientific research and construction on the lunar surface. This paper systematically reviews the principles, functions, advantages and disadvantages of various in-situ detection methods, and summarizes the research achievements, existing problems and current development trends of related technologies in in-situ mechanical characterization technology employed in the Soviet Union’s Luna and the United States’ Apollo missions. Focusing on the research status of in-situ mechanical characterization technology for lunar soil in China, it elaborates on the preparatory research work carried out by relevant research institutions in the in-situ mechanical detection of lunar soil and extraterrestrial soil based on static cone penetration method. Due to the unique physical properties of lunar soil, extreme lunar environments, and constraints imposed by limited resources, achieving in-situ mechanical detection of lunar soil and precise exploration and interpretation at depths exceeding 3 m still requires further technological innovation and breakthroughs. In accordance with the development needs of China’s lunar exploration program, this paper identifies the critical technical challenges and key development directions that require urgent attention for in-situ mechanical detection of lunar soil. The future in-situ mechanical detection payloads for lunar soil will develop towards miniaturization, automation and intelligence, forming novel operation modes based on new principles and methods. At the same time, innovations will be made in structural design and machine learning technology will be integrated. AI will be empowered to establish precise interpretation methods for mechanical parameters suitable for lunar soil, thereby providing reference and technical support for the successful execution of China’s in-situ lunar soil mechanical exploration missions and achieving more accurate and deeper exploration objectives.